March 3^rd, 20010
This page last updated: 3/8/2010

Welcome to the website of the Bellevue High School Band program, home of the Wolverines! This site is intended to be a communication tool for band students and parents. Check back regularly throughout the year for information regarding the BHS bands.

The month of March is always crazy for the band program! There are literally band rehearsals, state basketball games, concerts and festivals going on every week this month, so keep up with the band calendar! It is each student’s responsibility to be keep track of his/her commitments. Parents, anything you can do to help keep your student organized and on time is appreciated!

Congratulations to Nolan Tsang and Brian Lawrence who performed in the WMEA All-State Honor Bands. The concert performances were truly inspiring! I believe it was a valuable learning experience for all participants. Hopefully, we can get more kids interested in auditioning for these wonderful groups in future years.

The Pep Band will be playing at upcoming state playoff games in support of the BHS basketball team(s). The 3A state tournament runs March 10 – 13 at the Tacoma Dome. Dates and times TBA as soon as they are available. We’ll have to do our best to manage conflicts on a case by case basis. More specific details will be forthcoming. When/if the team loses, sending them to the “consolation” side of the bracket, the band will be done with pep band for the year.

Students, registration for next year’s classes has already begun and I am hopeful that all of you are returning to the band program next year. It is no secret that I would love to have all of you back in the band program next year (even the seniors, but I guess they do need to move on with their lives!). Whether it is concert band, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, or jazz band, I believe there is a place for everyone to feel successful and experience the joys of making music on a daily basis. I hope we can continue our pattern of growth and musical excellence together in the years to come! At this time, you need to register for the class you want to be in next year. In the spring I will hold auditions for current Concert Band members who want to be in next year’s Wind Ensemble. The audition will include a chromatic scale and a short musical excerpt to prepare on your own.

The Concert Band is now working to refine their pieces for the BHS Spring Band Concert (March 18) as well as the Eastshore Region Band II Festival (March 23) at Newport HS. The itinerary for the band festival will be posted on the website soon. Students must be practicing Fall River Overture, Irish Ayre for Winds, and American Riversongs. Our success depends upon your commitment to “own your part. There will be two mandatory combined rehearsals for the Concert Band and percussionists during tutorial on March 11 and March 16. All playing tests must be completed by March 22.

The Wind Ensemble is performing at the CWU Wind Festival on Friday, March 5. The itinerary is on the site. It is always a treat to play in a real auditorium and to hear the wonderful groups from CWU! Eastshore Region Band I Festival is Tuesday, March 9 at Interlake HS. That itinerary is also available on this website. Our BHS Spring Concert is March 18 in the PAC and we will be joined by the Chinook MS 8th grade band. Students must be practicing regularly! Our success depends upon your continued commitment to “own your parts.

The Jazz Band has had a successful run so far, earning a 1st place in the 3A division at the Auburn-Riverside Festival and a 2nd place in the 3A/4A division at the Viking jazz Festival. Job well done! The next performance is Sunday, March 14 at Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle. The band will be playing from 3pm – 4pm. Come hear the band and enjoy an early dinner! Later this month, they will be traveling to Spokane for Jazz Northwest at Mead HS. We will be leaving at 3:30pm on Friday, March 19 and returning to BHS around 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 21. Information packets with trip expectations, policies, and schedules will be sent home with students soon. There will be a permission form to be signed and returned.

Parents, please remember that we will need your time and energy for the 28th Annual Bellevue High School Jazz Festival on Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st. We will need parents who are willing to help with the registration table, door security, and a number of other important tasks. Get involved in making your student’s musical experience more rewarding! The band program is better as a result of your support.

Vince Caruso